Spiritual Travel

Maghi Purnima: A Transformative Spiritual Journey for Kalpwasis at Maha Kumbh | Prayagraj News

Published

6 months ago

February 5, 2025

PRAYAGRAJ: With barely six days left for Maghi Purnima snan – the second last main bathing snan at the ongoing Maha Kumbh, to be held on February 12, that would not only mark the end of the kalpwas period but lakhs of kalpwasis would also start their return journey to their respective destinations. The tithi for Magh Purnima will start at 6.55pm on Feb 11 and would be ending on Feb 12 on 7.22pm.
Around 10 lakh kalpwasis, after spending the entire Magh Mela period (January 13 to February 12) and meditating on the banks of the Ganga, would head home with memories of the time spent in the Maha Kumbh.
Though they braved bitter cold and lack of amenities in the initial stage, the kalpwasis, however, feel enthusiastic and energetic, terming their brief stay a unique experience.
The majority of them claimed to learnt about different social, cultural, and religious beliefs and spiritual activities.
Anand Dubey of Banda told TOI, “We, apart from our religious and spiritual activities, have witnessed the colours of India as devotees (Kalpwasi) from different states of the country are spending their time on the banks of the Ganga together and participating in religious and spiritual activities .” He, however, said, “We have undoubtedly made new companions and further plan to remain in touch with each other.
Ara resident RK Singh said, “All kalpwasis undergo ‘Kalpwas Vrata’ before being honoured as kalpwasis. Spending the one-month time on the banks of the Ganga and leading an austere life is not an easy task.”
Usha Ghate of Gwalior, who spent the entire month on the banks of the Ganga, says, “We all have different experiences. I invited all my relatives and neighbours at Sangam and had a wonderful time,” she said and added, “I enjoyed a diverse spiritual experience which is possible only on the banks of the Ganga.” “Once I decided to undergo kalpwas at the age of 70. It was my inner strength that enabled me to stay put on the banks, braving all odds,” said Rajan from Nagpur.
During the stay, mela visitors too interacted with kalpwasis. Shlokas and mantras chanted on the banks encouraged pilgrims and devotees to stay for hours, adding a dose of spirituality to the surroundings.
From January 13, around 10 lakh devotees started their ‘kalpwas’, a month-long stay at the Sangam, seeking religious and spiritual solace after taking a holy dip in the river Ganga on the occasion of Paush Purnima. The ‘kalpwasis’ survive on prayers and ‘satvik’ (virtuous) meals once a day during ‘kalpwas’, which ends on Maghi Purnima.
Religious scholar Dr Amitabh Gour says, “Kalpwasis participate in religious and spiritual activities, listen to religious discourse, and make their own ‘satvik’ meal. They spend a month on the banks of the Ganga, living an austere and minimalistic life.”
Sadhna Mishra, 60, a native of Bharthana in Etawah district, who undergoes her 12th ‘kalpwas’ this year, said, “Once I complete this kalpwas, I would complete the ritual of ‘shaiyya daan’ (donation of bed) which leads to salvation.” Taking a holy dip on three amrit snan was a rare experience for all kalpwasis.
Gour, meanwhile, says that Vedas mention a ‘Kalp’ to be a period equal to the number of years in four ‘yugas’ — Satyug, Treta, Dwapar, and Kalyug. It is said that by piously observing a “kalpwas”, a devotee overcomes the sins in his/her previous birth and escapes the cycle of ‘janma’ (birth) and ‘mrityu’ (death). During each day of the Magh month, a ‘kalpwasi’ has to take a dip in the Ganga at sunrise and pray to the rising Sun. The majority of the ‘kalpwasis’ take only a meal a day. After observing 12 ‘kalpwas’, a ‘kalpwasi’ has to donate his/her bed and all his belongings (a ritual known as ‘shayya daan’).

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Spiritual Travel

Bilaspur Set to Transform into Himachal’s Ultimate Adventure and Spiritual Hub

Published

7 hours ago

August 4, 2025

admin

Move over, Manali and Shimla! Bilaspur is gearing up to become the state’s next big tourism hotspot, blending adrenaline-pumping adventures with serene spiritual experiences. The district administration has rolled out ambitious plans to develop water, land, and aerial tourism, promising something for thrill-seekers, pilgrims, and nature lovers alike.

A Sky-High Attraction: The Glass Bridge

Imagine walking on a transparent bridge, suspended high above breathtaking landscapes—Bilaspur’s upcoming Glass Bridge at Bharari will do just that! Designed to rival global attractions, this engineering marvel will offer daredevils an unforgettable experience while giving tourists a reason to extend their stay. Officials confirm the blueprint is ready, and construction will kick off soon after final approvals.

Sailing Through Scenic Routes: The Water Metro

Pilgrims visiting Maa Naina Devi will soon have a faster, more scenic journey thanks to the proposed Water Metro, connecting Bhakra Ghat to Kosariya Ghat. This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about turning travel into an experience. Devotees and tourists can hop on boats, enjoy the tranquil waters, and even transport their vehicles via waterways.

Jet Skis, Kayaking & More: Water Sports at Nakrana

Bhakra Dam’s pristine waters are about to get a lot more exciting! The district is eyeing water sports like jet skiing, kayaking, and boating to attract adventure junkies. The best part? Pilgrims heading to Naina Devi can now add a splash of adventure to their spiritual trip.

Bharari – The New Stopover Destination

Strategically located near Shimla, Manali, and Dharamshala, Bharari will soon feature modern tourist hubs with food plazas, parking, rest areas, and info centers. No more cramped pit stops—just smooth, comfortable breaks for travelers.

Listening to Locals: Boaters Get a Voice

Deputy Commissioner Rahul Kumar made sure local boat operators were heard during inspections, promising quick fixes to their concerns. This people-first approach ensures tourism growth benefits everyone.

Bilaspur’s transformation isn’t just about flashy infrastructure—it’s about jobs for youth, better travel experiences, and putting this hidden gem on India’s tourism radar. With projects set to launch soon, the district is poised to become a must-visit for those seeking adventure, spirituality, and untouched natural beauty.

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Spiritual Travel

Shiva Tribe Debuts in Gurgaon’s Tikli-Raiseena: IMPC’s Bold Step to Merge Spirituality, Rural Tourism, and Modern Family Wellness

Published

8 hours ago

August 4, 2025

ANI

VMPL

New Delhi [India], August 4: In the lush rural landscape of Tikli-Raiseena near Gurgaon, a new chapter in India’s spiritual and rural tourism ecosystem quietly unfolded. The International Mandir Prabandhak Committee (IMPC) launched its ambitious spiritual wellness initiative–Shiva Tribe–an experience-driven, immersive space designed to reconnect Gen Z and modern families with India’s timeless spiritual roots.

Set against the tranquil backdrop of Haryana’s Aravalli fringes, Shiva Tribe is more than a mandir–it is a curated journey of self-discovery, holistic wellness, and cultural revival, seamlessly merging ancient wisdom with modern aspirations. The inaugural three-day Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav was held in July, graced by spiritual luminaries including Pujya Shri Sudhanshu Ji Maharaj, Pujya Shri Dayanand Ji Maharaj, and dignitaries such as Haryana’s former Minister Shri Om Prakash Dhankar. Business leaders, rural development advocates, and spiritual patrons attended in significant numbers–signaling a rising interest in faith-based tourism models.

Spiritual Tourism: India’s Growing Wellness Sector

India’s spiritual tourism market is undergoing a silent revolution. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the wellness and spiritual tourism segment is projected to reach USD 30 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of over 10%. With over 330 million domestic religious tourists recorded annually and rising international interest in authentic Indian experiences, initiatives like Shiva Tribe have the potential to create high-value, low-impact tourism models in rural belts–generating employment, fostering entrepreneurship, and revitalizing local economies.

“In today’s fragmented lifestyle, families are searching for meaningful escapes–not just vacations. Shiva Tribe is that sacred pause–a place to reconnect, reflect, and realign, together,” said Dr. Preet Sandhuu, mentor of the project and a key voice in India’s contemporary spiritual movement.

A New Blueprint: Spirituality Meets Community Living

Unlike traditional spiritual centers, Shiva Tribe offers a complete spiritual-eco retreat–including weekend live devotional music by its in-house ‘Shiva Tribe Band’, yoga sessions, mantra-infused meditations, Vedic rituals, and stay facilities for families. It’s a full-circle experience designed to inspire urban youth and families alike to step into a more conscious, value-driven lifestyle.

“Here, spirituality is not a sermon–it’s an experience,” said Shri MP Singh, project visionary and founder of ShivaTribe. “We want to build a network of such community-driven centers across rural India, using temple heritage as a catalyst for rural rejuvenation and youth engagement.”

Rural Regeneration Through Faith

The Tikli model aligns with India’s rural tourism policy goals by transforming underexplored rural regions into mindful tourism destinations. With over 60% of India’s population residing in villages, initiatives like this leverage India’s spiritual capital to promote rural entrepreneurship, handicrafts, organic farming, and ecotourism–creating a sustainable rural economy rooted in culture and community.

IMPC’s Broader Mission

The International Mandir Prabandhak Committee (IMPC), known for initiatives like the Mahasangam Yatra, Trisul Yatra and Shiv-Shakti Kendras, is rapidly becoming a bridge between India’s ancient temple traditions and its digital future. Its work focuses on temple modernization, spiritual leadership development, and community revival–backed by collaborations with scholars, saints, and civic leaders.

By anchoring the Shiva Tribe initiative in Tikli, IMPC demonstrates how faith-based community models can attract tourism, foster economic inclusion, and support national goals like ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Digital Bharat’.

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